Certified Internal Auditor®
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Since 1974, there has only been one internal audit designation that has garnered global recognition, career advancement, and professional credibility – CIA certification is the one, 50 years of setting the gold standard. Earning the CIA credential is investing in gold.
CIA Pamphlet
CIA Eligibility Requirements
Learn more about entry and exit requirements to complete and obtain the CIA designation.
CIA Eligibility
CIA Renewal Requirements
CIA certificate holders are required to self-certify as to the completion of the required continuing education hours.
CIA Renewal
CIA Exam Prep Resources
As you embark on earning the CIA, The IIA is here to support your journey with the resources and tools to pass all three exam parts. Training is not required to take the CIA examinations but many candidates choose to study in a variety of methods.
Exam Prep
Access CCMS
The IIA's Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) is the portal to apply, complete, and maintain your certification program.
Access CCMS
CIA Challenge Exam Options
The IIA is excited to launch a second CIA Challenge Exam! Both options allow a candidate an opportunity to earn the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) designation through an expedited process after successfully passing a one-part examination.
Challenge Exam Options
Pricing
Certification renewal fees vary globally, based upon membership status, if you renew directly to The IIA through CCMS, or through your local affiliate. Visit the Pricing Structure page of our website for the most current pricing information.
PricingProve Credibility & Proficiency
As the only globally recognized internal audit certification, becoming a Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit, anywhere in the world.
Earning a professional internal audit credential is a critical step to being distinguished from your peers and will:
- Enhance credibility and respect.
- Sharpen skills and proficiencies.
- Increase advancement and earning potential.
- Demonstrate understanding and commitment.
Did You Know?
The CIA syllabi have been updated to align with the new Global Internal Audit Standards. CIA exams based on the updated syllabi will be released starting in May 2025. To view the exam release schedule and updated syllabi, please visit www.theiia.org/CIA2025.
Online Testing
To support the continued professional development of certification candidates around the world and in response to test center closures, The IIA is now offering online testing in some regions.
Learn MoreWhy Pursue the CIA?
EARN MORE
The CIA designation increases career-advancing opportunities and earning potential.
BECOME A GO-TO EXPERT
Become the credible, trusted expert that everyone turns to and one that can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
STAND OUT FROM THE REST
Becoming a CIA differentiates you from your peers and gives you credibility that puts you ahead of those without.
Resources to Help Get You Started
Register for Certification Q&A Session
Join us for an informal 30-minute webinar! A certification expert will be available to answer your questions about The IIA's certification programs.
Sign Up Now
Vision University
Fraud Auditing
2025 GRC Drivers and Trends
Root Cause Analysis for Enhancing Internal Audit Effectiveness
Additional IIA Certifications
Demonstrate your aptitude and foundational knowledge of The IIA Standards. This designations is ideal for University students, rotational auditors and new auditors.
Updated to reflect the in-depth organizational knowledge and advanced skill sets that are required to provide effective risk management assurance to audit committees and executive management.
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Unless you have an active Internal Audit Practitioner designation, you must provide proof of education as an entry requirement into the CIA program. Your level of education will determine the amount of experience needed to complete the program and whether that experience is an entry or exit requirement. Eligibility Requirements
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Candidates have three years to complete the requirements of the CIA certification program.
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Exam registrations are valid for 180 days, or until your certification program expiration date, whichever is sooner. If a candidate does not sit for their exam during the exam registration period, the registration will be forfeited.
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Study resources are not included with the application or registration. However, The IIA encourages candidates to review the exam syllabus and resource list to become familiar with the weighted percentages of questions they can expect to find on their exam. Exam Prep Resources
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An active CPA or CA holder from one of the qualified accounting bodies could be eligible to participate in a new pathway to earn the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®). The CIA Challenge Exam includes content from all three CIA exams, and was designed to be completed in one sitting. CIA Challenge Exam Eligibility